Christmas lights are great for getting everyone into the holiday spirit. However, they can put your home and safety at risk if not handled correctly. Here are several safety tips to follow for safely installing them.
Check and Test Your Christmas Lights
Check your lights to make sure there aren’t any frayed or loose wires. These can short circuit and cause a fire. It’s also a good idea to test your lights for bad bulbs before you hang the lights because it’s easier to replace them when they’re on the ground.
Switch to LED Lights
LED lights are safer than incandescent bulbs. They stay cool, unlike traditional lights that can overheat and start a fire.
Connect Outdoor Christmas Lights to a GFCI Outlet
Your outdoor lights should be plugged into a GFCI outlet. If there’s a short or overload, the GFCI outlet will trip the breaker in your electrical panel. This can prevent fires.
If you’re in Gonzales, Cuero, La Vernia, Seguin, Schertz, or surrounding areas and need additional GFCI outlets installed, GVEC handles outdoor electrical needs. We serve South Central Texas.
Limit the Length of Holiday Lights
If you’re using incandescent Christmas lights, don’t have more than three sets of lights in a strand. The wires are thin and can’t handle the load. If you’re using LED lights, you can connect up to five sets of lights.
Keep Your Tree Watered
If you have a live Christmas tree, you should check it daily to make sure it has water. This will help prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Be Careful With Ladders
When hanging outdoor lights, have someone hold the ladder for additional stability. Set it on stable ground, and never overreach.
GVEC offers electrical services. These include interior/exterior lighting, plug and switch wiring, electrical safety upgrades, whole-home surge protection, and more. We also offer AC/heating services, internet, and solar and battery storage options. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
